DIAGRAM: Key to the winter and spring sky

February 12, 2012 | 8:13 p.m. CST

The next four months hold opportunities to witness several noteworthy galactic events, including a planetary transit across the sun that will not occur for another 120 years. Val Germann, president of the Central Missouri Astronomical Association, presented a list of the most visually striking events as the first part of the "Cosmic Conversations" lecture series on Feb. 1. Looking at the month and date you desire, the diagram below shows you what constellations and planets you might see while looking due south around 8 p.m. Mouse over the numbers to learn about some of the top visual astro-events.

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